Hi,

In a recent thread there was a suggestion of making prototypes in Glass Fibre.
In doing this would I exchange carbon fibre 2/2 twill 3K 195g with woven glass 2/2 twill 200gsm or are there any differences which would make a another grade of glass more of a match? I will be using infusion.
I realise I will not get the strength of Carbon. It is just for me to practice before investing in Carbon fibre.

Brian.

I prototype in glass to test the shape and fit of the part rather than the moulding process.  For this reason I just use CSM and polyester and just do it 'open mould'.  The last part I made was this bonnet and with a part this size any warping would be terrible.  This is all I test for.

hi brian,

i use woven glass to test as it behaves the same as CF under infusion situations,

I am looking for similar handling property's.
I am thinking more of practising technique. I am planning something a little complicated.
(For a beginner anyway!)

Brian.

In that case I'd say a 200g twill weave glass would behave in a very similar manner to 200g twill carbon and is a fraction of the cost.  That should be perfect for you to practice with.

Thank you both for your help.
If it works out I will tell you all about it.
I have to make the moulds and wait for the weather to warm up before I start.

Brian.

Just remember if you are using polyester for your test it will shrink quite a bit so your part will not represent the carbon epoxy part exactly.

Fred

Thank you for the warning but I am going to use epoxy.

Brian.